Before you read, check out our introduction to the new AAL here:
The last time a team took the field under the American Arena League banner was in 2021. 2026 will mark the first time since then that a team will, and it seems as if the league’s approach will focus more on stability than numbers this time. The 2026 version of the AAL will include four teams, three of which are former AAL2 (the developmental arm of the AAL)Champions.
If you’re new to either the NAL, AAL, or AAL2, this piece will be everything you need to know to be able to watch and understand the four franchises that will play this year.
Table of Contents
What’s the difference between the AAL and AAL2
The AAL is a paid professional league, and the AAL2 is a non-paid Developmental league (check our last article for more on the AAL2). While pay for the AAL may not scale up to the level of the AF1 or IFL, it will be paid, though the pay level isn’t public.
This means that players will be compensated on a game-by-game basis, provided food and housing for those playing away from home. While both are separate leagues, they will play one another. So far, three “filler” home games have been scheduled between the two Leagues, mostly to fill out a home schedule for the four AAL teams.
Short History of the AAL namesake:
The original AAL was born out of a merger between the Arena Pro Football and the Can-Am Indoor Football League after both struggled to see the majority of their teams through to the end of the season.
It wasn’t without a bit of drama and back and forth, but after an eventual offseason in 2017, they would finally kick off with twelve full-time members and three affiliate teams, with two affiliates and one full-time member being travel teams ( one of them is a current AAL2 member of Peach State Cats).
Historical Teams
- Rochester Kings
- Florida Tarpons
- Richmond Roughriders
- Georgia Doom
- East Carolina Torch
- Upstate Dragons
- Cape Fear Heroes
- High Country Grizzlies
- Atlanta Havoc
- Carolina Energy
- Jersey Flight
- Peach State Cats – Road Team
Affiliated Teams
- Austin Wild
- New England Cavalry – Road Team
- Carolina Cowboyz – Road Team
The original American Arena League kicked off in 2018. Not all the teams listed above would make it to the end of the season; some would come, some would go. Going into 2019, the league had reduced by over half of its original teams. The 2020 season would be canceled, like nearly every league was, and 2021 would end with three divisional championship games in a league that was barely holding onto the title “Professional”.
Following 2021, the league would cease operations, sending teams in many different directions. After a year off, and originally being announced for 2022, the AAL2 would kick off in 2023. There was always an intention of relaunching the pro side of the AAL, but ownership/leadership had no issue focusing on the Developmental side until they found a structure for the league that made sense and was sustainable. Which brings us to the reason everyone clicks on this article, the four teams for the ‘26 season:
2026 Team Introductions:
NAL Defectors
Columbus Lions
Arena: Columbus Civic Center
Established: 2007
Last League: NAL
All-time Record:149-78
Head Coach: Damian Daniels
Facebook Page: Columbus Lions
This is the crazy uncle of the AAL for 2026; they have been playing some version of the game since 2007. This is a storied franchise that has survived financial collapses, league collapses, a global pandemic, and lives to tell the tale, something only a handful of other franchises can say.
Though they weren’t a part of the original AAL, they are a great option with tons of experience that can be the glue that holds this league together and a cornerstone that keeps things rolling. The biggest reason for the jump in general was regionality; the 2025 season was overall difficult on Columbus and Wheeling, considering the length and frequency of the road trips.
The AAL gives them the chance to grow an eastern regional league that flourishes. The last thing the Columbus ownership wants is another AIF 2024 situation, and with the teams in the AAL, they won’t see it happen again. Despite the hardship seen in NAL 2025, they managed a 5-5 record and a playoff berth. Expect the Lions to be at the top of the league, to have a significant say in operations, and be a big driver of good decisions and logical expansion. If they are 10-0 or 9-1 at the end of 2026, don’t be surprised!
Wheeling Miners
Arena: WesBanco Arena
Established:2024
Last League: NAL
All-Time Record: 14-6
Head Coach: Undecided
Facebook Page: Wheeling Miners
The Miners were originally planned as a team, a pro team in the second rendition of the AIF in 2024, but the relationship soured (and the league fell apart ), and they announced later on that they would start in the AAL2 for the season. Wheeling would make quick work of the league, going a perfect 10-0 en route to a championship, picking up and scouting talent along the way. 2025 brought the announcement of the move to the NAL. Though this team and coaching staff were more than ready for the jump, things were rocky in ‘25, only managing four wins.
The highlight of the year was a late-game come-from-behind victory over AAL foe Columbus. Though the Head coaching position isn’t filled at this moment, the organization as a whole seems to be on solid footing. We can only assume that with reduced travel and overhead, more will be invested in the program long-term. Expect a solid, winning season from the Miners, no matter the coach.
AAL2 Move Ups:
Jersey Bearcats
Arena: Warinanco Sports Center
Established:2023
Last League: AAL2
Record: 46-13
Head Coach: AJ Roque
Facebook Page: Jersey Bearcats
AJ Roque is the Commissioner of the AAL2 and the Owner/Head Coach of the Bearcats, and both have been the best examples of stability you can find in the indoor football world. Starting in 2019 in the MIFL, they would win and win quickly, either winning or at the very least playing for a league title from 2019 until 2021 (the AAL only had divisional champions in 2021).
They would take the year off in 2022. Coming back in the AAL2, where they would continue the winning tradition, having won the inaugural AAL2 title in 2023. In 2024, they would lose to future AAL foe Wheeling in the playoffs, and this past season, they got knocked off by Mississippi in the title game.
This will be a stable, well-coached franchise by 2026. Just look at the leadership; the same man running the Bearcats is also running all of the AAL2 as the commissioner. If you take a look at his recent rosters while Jersey was an AAL2 franchise, they were loaded. Roque has an eye for talent, and it will more than show through in the very near future. He and his partners WILL put a good product on the field in one of the most unique venues in the sport.
Mississippi Wolfpack
Arena: Baitsville Civic Center
Established:2025
Last League: AAL2
All-Time Record: 9-2
Head Coach: Eddie Strong
Facebook Page: Mississippi Wolfpack
The history of the Wolfpack is fairly short; they kicked off in 2025, bull rushed the AAL2, and are now leaving for the AAL as champions. In fact, they won the title game over Jersey (though the call on the field was very questionable). They come through in the wake of the last team, which was also coached (and bought from) current Head Coach Eddie Strong.
They will play at the same arena in Batesville, Mississippi, but have no historical connection to the previous team. The Wolfpack will be a strong team in 2026 (even if they are the newest of the four). If you check their social media, they have stacked talent in the offseason and at the very least will be competitive come kickoff!
Ultimately, there is a ton of information we would love to just blast to the world and to show everyone in the indoor world why we are so excited for the AAL to reboot in ‘26. That being said, we also have a ton of respect for the deliver, not promise, approach the league has decided to take.
They are committed to making sure everything is in order before they even hint at new teams, league changes, or any excitement. As fans, there is a lot we can do to see this league through: if you’re local, show up; if you enjoy their brand of football, let the world know; and if you want all the updates, keep tuned into Shady Sports, who have some huge plans cooked up with the AAL and AAL2 for the upcoming season!
- Invincible 2.0: Indoor Football, The Tyler Lauenstein Story
- Tank Bigsby Could be a Crucial Piece for Eagles Offense On Road to Playoffs in 2025
- Three REDBLACKS Named to 2025 East Division All-CFL Team
- AAL 2026: What You Need to Know
- American Arena League 2 Top Level Development
Sponsor: BetUS
This stream and much more brought to you by the official betting sponsor of the Shady Sports Network, BetUs. Click the link below to get a 125% match bonus on your first deposit of $50 or more. Right now BetUs is running a special promotion for creators like us to earn an extra incentive for four conversions in a month! Help us hit this goal and get a Shady Sports Network t-shirt in return! Message us for details.
YouTube
Please also help us continue growing on our YouTube Channel by subscribing if you haven’t already. Also like and comment on any videos you enjoy! Thank you for your support and we hope you continue to tune in!
Also check out our new Live Events channel dedicated to broadcasting any and all games we are able to get the broadcast rights to. We have broadcasted arena football, A7FL, Big 3 Basketball, Flag Football, Boxing, MMA and so much more.
https://www.youtube.com/@ShadySportsNetworkLiveGames
Join the Conversation on Discord, Facebook, or Reddit
Are you on discord or facebook? Join our server/groups to jump in the conversation, stay up to date on your favorite leagues and give us your hot takes. You can also promote your content!
Fantasy Reports Facebook Group
Discover more from Shady Sports Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.